Latest news with #Arendse
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Arendse: Fresh and motivated Bok backline to run hard at Georgia
Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse believes the backline is in a well-rested but motivated and healthy space. Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored a try against Italy at Lofus, believes the backline will maintain their standards against Georgia. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images Energised and motivated thanks to coach Rassie Erasmus' regular rotations, the Springbok backline is eager to run hard against Georgia during their Test match in Mbombela on Saturday. South Africa take on the 11th-ranked nation for only the third time in their history with – aside from fullback Aphelele Fassi who played at left wing on the day – an entirely different starting backline that featured in their 40–19 win in Loftus in 2021. Damian Willemse played from the bench four years ago, and will do so again, while flyhalf Handré Pollard started then but will play as a substitute this time. The frequent rotations in the Springbok line-up highlight Erasmus' ongoing ability to blood players and ensure international game time for the nation's ever-growing depth. Springboks in a healthy space Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse said the competition for places, fuelled by realistic chances of game time for everyone, has created a healthy environment. 'There's a stage in your career where you get comfortable. The guys coming through and putting their hands up give you a wake-up call,' he said. 'They want to play for the Springboks. It's healthy competition and that's what we need.' He said even the Junior Springboks, who will play in the World Rugby U20 Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday, are flooded with talent and will only grow the rugby base in South Africa in the years to come. In the immediate future, Arendse said there was no pressure on the backline to score tries, per se, but individual and team pride drive this. 'It's always special representing our country. It doesn't matter who plays. I wouldn't say there's pressure but the goal is to focus on our standards, but not underestimate Georgia.' Arendse and Van der Merwe take their opportunities Regarding Springbok standards, Arendse said only players with a fierce work rate make it in the Bok setup. This was epitomised by wing Edwill van der Merwe, who worked hard to ensure his second Test match selection 13 months after his debut. 'Whenever we get the chance, we put ourselves in a lot of battles,' Arendse said. 'It's always good to see players coming in and taking their opportunity. For Edwill, missing out last year, in the end-of-year tour, it made him hungry to be in the system again. He takes every opportunity he gets and that's good.' The wing said his own Sabbatical in Japan this past domestic season helped him prepare for the international season. 'Playing rugby in Japan made me feel like I was back at the sevens,' he said. 'It's a lot of running rugby and that's what I enjoy. Also, if you play for the Springboks now, there is opportunity to run a lot. It [Japan] helped me a lot.'
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kurt-Lee Arendse embraces healthy competition in the Springbok squad
Prolific winger Kurt-Lee Arendse will look to add more tries to his name against Italy this weekend when the Springboks take on Georgia in the final mid-year Test in Nelspruit. Image: BackpagePix Having strong competition in the Springbok squad gives players that wake-up call at times when they think they can rest on their laurels when running out for the national side. That is why Bok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse is happy to see the depth in the squad, especially at winger, and the healthy competition emanating from within to keep the world champions strong. Arendse, who scored a try in the first Test against Italy, is back in the side after sitting out the second clash, where newcomer Edwill van der Merwe took his chance with both hands. Van der Merwe, who will partner Arendse against Georgia this weekend in Nelspruit (5.10pm kick-off), bagged a brace in the second Test. Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi are the other wingers currently in the Springbok fold, while a few youngsters are also knocking on the door. Arendse has impressed in his 25 caps so far. The speedster has amassed 95 points and is set to continue his try-scoring feat against the Georgians this weekend. He needs two more tries to break into the Top 10 all-time try-scoring lists. According to Arendse, having that competition within the team environment is what drives him to keep performing when called upon. 'There is maybe a stage in your career where you get comfortable, and there are other guys coming through and they put their hand up. You receive a wake-up call that others also aspire to play for the Springboks,' Arendse said on Wednesday. 'It is good and healthy competition. That is what we need. "There are even guys at the Junior Boks (Jaco Williams, Cheswill Jooste, Siya Ndlozi) putting their hand. It is good for South African rugby. When you get that opportunity, you want to put your best foot forward. 'However, you won't have every day where you can do that. But that competition brings the best out of you.' Arendse and Van der Merwe will combine with fullback Aphelele Fassi in the back-three, while Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie man the midfield. An exciting half-back pairing of Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will steer the attack. That is a recipe for another exciting Springbok clash, but they will look to the forwards to lay them the platform as they did during the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha. 'It is always special to represent the country; it doesn't matter who plays. I would not say there is pressure on us to perform, but we want to focus on setting our standard. We will not be underestimating Georgia.'
The South African
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Bulls announce influx of new players, including THREE Springboks
Following the departure of Director of Rugby Jake White, the Vodacom Bulls are undergoing major structural and squad changes ahead of the new season. While the search for a new head coach is ongoing, the Pretoria-based franchise has wasted no time reinforcing their playing roster. In a bold statement of intent, the Bulls have confirmed several high-profile signings – including Springbok stars and returning club legends – who will bolster the team through the 2025/26 and 2027/28 seasons. Below is a full breakdown of the key players joining the Bulls in July, each bringing international experience, leadership, and competitive edge. Former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls, marking his return to Pretoria from Montpellier. Serfontein earned 48 Bulls caps before leaving in 2017 and went on to make 147 appearances in France's Top 14 league. He scored 15 tries from 45 starts during his initial stint with the Bulls, proving himself a consistent attacking threat. Serfontein, a Grey College product, rejoined the team on July 1 and will remain under contract through the 2027/28 season. His return adds depth and international experience to a growing Bulls backline aiming to compete across multiple competitions. Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse will return to the Bulls after completing his international commitments in the Rugby Championship this August. Arendse had spent his recent sabbatical playing for the Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan's competitive League One tournament. The electric speedster returned to Loftus Versfeld recently, scoring a stunning long-range try for the Springboks in front of home fans. He remains one of the most dynamic backs in South African rugby, capable of changing games with moments of individual brilliance. Arendse's return adds more firepower to an already explosive Bulls backline heading into the latter part of the 2025 season. Springbok lock Marvin Orie has returned to the Vodacom Bulls on a season-long deal beginning with the Carling Currie Cup. Orie joins from French club Perpignan, where he earned 29 caps over two seasons in the Top 14 competition. The 2023 World Cup winner previously represented the Bulls, Lions, Ospreys, and Stormers before moving to France in 2022. He originally earned 10 caps for the Bulls earlier in his career, showing familiarity with the Loftus environment and culture. Orie arrived in the capital at the start of July and strengthens the Bulls' second-row options with physicality and experience. Lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has signed with the Bulls until June 2027 after leaving Montpellier Hérault Rugby in France. He previously played for the Bulls before departing in 2016, and he now returns with 174 caps of European experience. During his time in France, Janse van Rensburg won both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the French Top 14 title. His career includes appearances in Super Rugby, Carling Currie Cup, and both EPCR and Champions Cup competitions. The former Affies student officially rejoined the Bulls on July 1, boosting the squad's experience and depth in the second row. Scrumhalf Paul de Wet has joined the Bulls on a short-term contract after a long stint with the Cape Town-based Stormers. De Wet, who joined the Stormers in 2017/18, made over 80 appearances across four major competitions in seven seasons. His arrival in Pretoria came at the beginning of July, signaling a new chapter for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners. De Wet will remain with the Bulls until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, bringing experience and tactical sharpness to Loftus. He has played in the Investec Champions Cup, VURC, Rainbow Cup SA, and Super Rugby, proving his value in top-tier competitions. Jeandré Rudolph has officially signed a short-term deal with the Vodacom Bulls starting from July through the 2025/26 season. The Roodepoort-born loose forward joins the Bulls after making 74 appearances in the judicial capital with consistent, high-energy performances. Rudolph, known for his relentless work ethic, has earned the nickname 'diesel-powered workhorse' from teammates and coaching staff alike. He arrives at Loftus Versfeld as a 2023 Carling Currie Cup champion and a respected leader on and off the field. Rudolph has gained experience across Super Rugby, EPCR Challenge Cup, Vodacom URC, and Carling Currie Cup competitions throughout his career. He also captained Oakdale Agricultural High School to their first Varsity Cup title, showing early leadership qualities and on-field discipline. DO YOU THINK THE BULLS WILL WIN THE URC TITLE SOON? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Springboks wanted to be brave and bold with ball in hand against Barbarians, says captain Jesse Kriel
Ashfak Mohamed | Published 2 hours ago It rained almost non-stop in Cape Town this week, and when more grey skies greeted the Mother City on Saturday, you were expecting the worst as a rugby fan. Despite the Barbarians being in town for what is usually a festival-type running-rugby game, the slippery conditions would've been expected to affect both teams' approach at Cape Town Stadium. But the Boks actually didn't hold back in that regard in their 54-7 victory over the invitation side to entertain the 45,000-strong crowd. As early as the fourth minute, there were an array of impressive passes from the home side that would've been expected from the visitors. The South Africans put together a series of phases, with Lood de Jager running hard a few times, debutant prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye showcasing his deft handling skills, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu slinging out a long pass to Kurt-Lee Arendse out wide. Lively scrumhalf Morné van den Berg also kept the tempo going with some slick clearances from the base, and the one audacious dummy from Feinberg-Mngomezulu had his Cape fans dancing in the stands. Fullback Aphelele Fassi also entered the attack chat, and delivered two delicious grubbers that set up the first two tries by Malcolm Marx and Cheslin Kolbe. Arendse and Kolbe were energetic throughout the eight-try rout, and that attack-minded theme continued into the second half, with captain Jesse Kriel breaking the line, and centre partner Damian de Allende pushing through a deft grubber for Arendse's touchdown. The Tony Brown playbook was on full show, and the growth in the Bok game in such dreary conditions speaks volumes about how they are pushing the envelope ahead of the blockbuster two Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand in September. 'I'm obviously very happy with all of that. I think it actually started in the week. On Wednesday, we spoke about our mindset and mentality going into training – whether we are going to let the weather affect us or not. I think it was nothing different today,' Kriel said in the post-match press conference. 'We came in here positive. We wanted to be brave and bold with the ball in hand, and I think we looked dangerous with turnover ball. 'It's always great if you get the ball into guys like Fassi, Cheslin and Kurt-Lee's hands. 'They are special rugby players, and they can make something out of nothing. Ja, I think we saw a lot of that today.' Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said afterwards that he was 'satisfied' with the performance, but felt that they had gone a bit too far on attack at times in the wet weather. But the South Africans are on the right trajectory heading into next Saturday's first Test against Italy at Loftus Versfeld. 'We won't get carried away with a game like this. We know it's a festival game and we are playing at home against a team that only practiced a few times together,' Erasmus said. 'But certain things came through. We want to get better in the next matches that we will play, where we are trying to focus a lot on us. 'When we hit the Rugby Championship – and Georgia will also be a grind… 'If the weather was drier, I think some of the line-breaks and half-gaps that we got, we were a bit ambitious in trying to offload and just force the last pass. In dry weather, I think that could've stuck. 'But after halftime, when the guys spoke about that, they toned it down a little bit, and we played a little bit more conservatively and got more points. 'So, I guess we'll get used to this weather if we get that again, but we can't wait to play on a dry pitch and still improve on our attack.' Points-Scorers Springboks 54 – Tries: Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe, Vincent Tshituka (2), Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Lood de Jager, Damian de Allende. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Manie Libbok (5). Barbarians 7 – Try: Melvyn Jaminet. Conversion: Jaminet (1).
IOL News
29-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse gears up for international season after Japanese stint
Kurt-Lee Arendse is looking forward to another good season with the Springboks as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. | EPA Image: EPA After one season in Japan, Springbok winger Kurt-Lee feels his game has grown significantly as he prepares for another blockbuster international season with the world champions. The 27-year-old was part of the squad that started the first game of the season against the Barbarians yesterday evening in Cape Town as they looked to lay the perfect platform for the international season. The Springboks will play 13 Tests this year, with another one in the making but yet to be confirmed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Arendse, who played for the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynoboars, resumed his deadly wing partnership with Kolbe against the Baabaas yesterday evening. However, it was against the likes of his winger partner (Tokyo Sungoliath) and fellow Boks like Jasper Wiese ( Urayasu D-Rocks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), and Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs) in Japan where he sharpened this attacking play before he joined the Bok camp. 'I definitely reached some of the goals that I set out for myself before I went over to Japan,' Arendse said about his stint overseas. Last time the Boks played at Loftus, Kurt-Lee Arendse did this inside the first three minutes against Ireland. Tickets for the match against Italy in Pretoria are available here 🔗 #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 2, 2025 'What I learnt here at the Boks, I tried to carry over to my teammates at the Dynaboars. It was amazing to experience rugby somewhere else. There is no pressure on and off the field. I just played my rugby. That is what it is all about for me. 'The game is quick, but not very different to rugby over this side. The support we get from people in Japan also surprised me quite a bit. They love the Springboks, and it was good to see how they even supported me when I got there.' Back in the national fold, Arendse wants to keep his head down and work hard to keep in contention for the rest of the matches of the season. The Boks will be building up towards the Rugby Championship over the next three Tests when they face Italy twice and Georgia. Arendse says the start to the Bok camp was a tough one this year and they had one of the most gruelling pre-season fitness sessions with the coaches. He had to wait a week before joining the on-field sessions due to regulations but was with the team for their two-week camp in Johannesburg. 'It was tough, but the squad needed the pre-season fitness camp. This will be a long season and not an easy one. The coaches are pushing us hard, and the guys are buying into what the coaches are planning and what they want us to do. 'We help the young guys in camp and in return, they help the old guys. Everyone wants to play. In the end, it is the squad that wins. It is good for South African rugby. We needed a pre-season like that. New season. Same fire. The #Springboks are ready take on the Barbarians in SA for the very first time. #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 28, 2025
